Provocations

Questioning the assumptions of war and the lies on which they are built

Sometimes I am aware that a post does not meet the title of this blog because of the negligible amount of provocation involved. I think that this interview does qualify, by challenging much that many of us assume is OK. Importantly, it is filled with reason and a few questions - about an aspect of US conduct which is common to many other countries: the lies used to justify war.

David Swanson is the co-founder of the AfterDowningStreet.org coalition, and has worked as a newspaper reporter and as a communications director, with jobs including Press Secretary for Dennis Kucinich's 2004 presidential campaign. David is the author of "Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union", and his latest book is called "War is a Lie", published in November 2010

Canadaville - Did Stronach's generosity foster independence or dependence?

When, with little fanfare,  Canadaville (officially "Magnaville") was launched, I wrote about it, impressed with the simple practicality and generosity involved.

As Amber Hildebrandt describes in her CBC article:

Tucked in bucolic central Louisiana, a small group of Katrina victims is getting ready for another possible uprooting. The 63 former New Orleanians are citizens of a temporary community dubbed Canadaville, which Canadian auto magnate Frank Stronach, the Magna International founder, set up about 230 kilometres northwest of New Orleans.

A successful experiment? Even the five years didn't turn out as planned.

But dreams of farm profitability were not realized. Farm equipment tangled with grass sits alongside fallow fields. Cinder blocks once used to delineate each household's garden plot are now piled neatly on the edge of a field. Goats purchased in Magnaville's early stages have become pets, with no revenue-generating purpose.

Now is when we find out to what extent the vision of a hand-up was realized. Frank Stronach provided some real and realistic help at a time of desperation for many displaced residents of New Orleans. From the beginning, though, it was temporary - an opportunity for individuals and families to get back on their feet. Did it foster independence or dependence?

Another take on the Canadaville experience: Welcome to Canadaville USA

Canadaville officials will tell you they’ve seen as many triumphs among residents as times when some have fallen short. In fact, they believe the world should be proud that those who’ve had so little, have been able to come so far.

The implications of charity - an animation by Slavoj Zizek

This development of charity as a "built-in" feature of our politico-economic system has been grinding away in my mind for a while. It's a relief to have it articulated so well. 

In this country, at least, the food bank was intended as emergency relief.  Now, as corporate government treats hunger as a food bank responsibility, the food banks are running out of food and calling on the people to give more, many of them the same ones who now need the food bank themselves.

Who's actually controlling Haiti hasn't changed that much

A more informed and realistic look at Haiti's recent past, including the initial days after the earthquake. 

"The U.S. has assumed the post-earthquake leadership role, choosing priorities and setting the timetable. Canada plays a bit part in this American drama, ignoring what should have been learned from the example of hundreds of Mounties and soldiers. If that is indeed true, then what of the ultimate effectiveness of millions of dollars donated by Canadians who grieve with Haiti?"

Dismal forecasts on Haiti's future - thestar.com.

and, a little history:

New York Times, March8, 2010:

The international community has also had a major role in destroying Haitian agriculture. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have been threatening for years to cut off financing if the Haitian government pays for irrigation, fertilizers or equipment for its poor farmers. And in 1995, as a condition for restoring President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to power after he was ousted by a military coup, the United States forced Haiti to adopt the lowest food import tariffs in the hemisphere, to provide U.S. farmers another market. A flood of cheap, heavily subsidized U.S. rice eventually pushed domestic varieties from the marketplace, and Haitian landowners fired thousands of workers.

Read the full article

Behind surface corruption in the US economy and military-industrial complex

The forces shaping US foreign policy today

Eugene Jarecki is an award-winning dramatic and documentary filmmaker whose previous film WHY WE FIGHT won the 2005 Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. THE TRIALS OF HENRY KISSINGER, won the 2002 Amnesty International Award. In addition to his work in film, Jarecki is also the Founder and Executive Director of The Eisenhower Project, an academic public policy group, dedicated in the spirit of Dwight D. Eisenhower, to studying the forces that shape American foreign policy.

Historic power shift in El Salvador

A story that could use a little more exposure and depth: El Salvador's first left-wing government in its 130-year history:

Evo Morales in his own words, speaks in the USA

In this part of the world (North America), when the name Evo Morales is mentioned, it's usually by someone talking about him - mostly about what they or others think of him.  Here he is in his own words during a recent visit, talking to the people of the USA (and others who don't usually hear him).

Bill Maher's 'Religulous': interview and review

One of my favourite provocation artists at work:

Review of Religulous by Josh Tyler

Russia invades Georgia - a look behind the obvious

So, where do you stand on the Russian invasion of Georgia? The mainstream media have had no problem in telling us where they think we should stand and, on the face of it, framing the Russians as the baddies is a natural. However, if you'd like to take six minutes and look a little deeper, this talking head (Pablo Escobar) video does a pretty good job of adding a little depth and perspective.

Phil Donahue on corporate media in wartime

I don't like unsolicited e-mail any more than most but, during the lead-up and year or two following the US invasion of Iraq, I sent out many articles and links (generally welcomed) with information and opinion that just wasn't being included in the North American media. This interview with Phil Donahue considers this phenomenon of complicit mainstream media, then and now.